BREAK the JAR: 5 Days of All-in Worshipნიმუში

When Critics Come

Devotion: Mary poured out her worship, and immediately the critics showed up. "Why this waste?" They questioned her motives, her wisdom, her stewardship. They made her sacrificial worship sound selfish.

Here's the pattern: when you break your jar for Jesus, someone will call it waste. When you go all in, someone will call you extreme. When you obey radically, someone will call you irresponsible.

Notice who criticized Mary—not the pagans, not the enemies of Jesus, but the disciples. The people closest to Jesus were the first to question her worship. Church people will often criticize what they don't understand.

But watch Jesus' response. He didn't validate their criticism. He defended her worship. "Let her alone." He stood between Mary and her critics and said, "She's done a beautiful thing for Me."

When you break your jar, critics will come. Count on it. They'll disguise their criticism as concern, wisdom, or theological correction. Don't let their voices drown out Jesus' approval.

The disciples saw waste. Jesus saw worship. The disciples calculated the loss. Jesus promised eternal legacy. The disciples' names we know from Scripture. Mary's story? Still being told everywhere the gospel is preached (Mark 14:9).

The critics are forgotten. The worship remains.

Stop letting the fear of criticism keep your jar sealed. Jesus sees. Jesus knows. Jesus defends. And His "well done" matters more than their "what a waste."

Declaration: "I will not let critics silence my worship. Jesus defends me. His approval is enough. I refuse to live for the applause of people when I can live for the pleasure of God."

Prayer: "Jesus, give me courage to worship You even when others criticize. Protect me from the fear of man. Help me care more about Your approval than their opinions. Defend my heart when the critics come. In Your name, amen."